Wesley Corpus

I preached at the Room, morning and afternoon, (Mr. Collins reading Prayers,) and about two at the School; though the House would very ill contain the congregation. Monday, 10, and the three following days, I visited the classes; which contained (after many added, and many lost or removed) a little more than aine hundred members. I wonder that, with such Preachers, there is so little increase. Dublin has outrun Bristol already: So will Manchester, Sheffield, and even Birmingham soon, unless they stir themselves up before the Lord. March, 1788.] JOURNAL. 409 Wed. 12.-I preached in the evening at a new place, in Little George-Street, the poorest part of the city; and great was our rejoicing in the Lord among this willing people. Sat. 15.--In the evening, having no other time, I preached once more in Temple church. I had no thought of meddling with the controversy which has lately pestered this city; till I read those words in the Second Lesson which threw me full upon it, “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” I then thought it my duty to speak clearly and strongly upon that head. Sun. 16.--I was invited by the Mayor, Mr. Edger, to preach in his chapel, and afterwards to dine with him at the Mansion-House. Most of the Aldermen were at church, and a multitude of high and low; to whom I explained and applied that awful passage of Scripture, the history of Dives and Lazarus. Mon. 17.-I began my northern journey, in a mild, lovely morning. In the evening I preached to so crowded an audi ence at Stroud, as I have not seen there for some years. Tuesday, 18. I preached in Painswick at ten. Here also we wanted room for the audience; and all were still as night. At six in the evening I began at Gloucester. Here it seems the scandal of the cross (such is the will of God) is ceased. High and low, rich and poor, flock together, and seem to devour the word. I preached on building upon a rock, and spoke with all plainness. Many, I believe, were cut to the heart; for it was a day of the Lord's power. Wed. 19.--About noon I preached at Tewkesbury, where also, notwithstanding the market, the House was over-filled; and the people were deeply attentive.